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United States Patent |
6,156,267
|
Pai
,   et al.
|
December 5, 2000
|
Apparatus and method for real-time monitoring and control of
anti-microbial processing
Abstract
The present invention provides a system and method for real-time monitoring
and control of anti-microbial cycle parameters within a load-simulation
device 6. The system and method simulate the same conditions as those
within an acceptable standard challenge load to be sterilized. Integration
of the system into a control system 17 allows critical anti-microbial
parameter levels to be achieved and maintained within the simulated load
throughout a cycle, thus resulting in a significant reduction in the
number of unsuccessful cycles. A redundant parameter-monitoring system 100
within the system is included. When acceptable parameter levels are shown
to have been met, the processed load is automatically released for use
immediately upon completion of the cycle, thus eliminating the need for
biological indicators and chemical integrators.
Inventors:
|
Pai; Sanjeeth M. (Rocky Mount, NC);
Zell; Peter E. (Raleigh, NC)
|
Assignee:
|
Steris Corporation (Mentor, OH)
|
Appl. No.:
|
123113 |
Filed:
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July 27, 1998 |
Current U.S. Class: |
422/3; 422/28; 422/37; 422/116; 422/119; 422/292 |
Intern'l Class: |
G05B 013/00 |
Field of Search: |
422/3,28,37,116,119,292
73/865.9
374/142,143
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
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4164538 | Aug., 1979 | Young et al.
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4203947 | May., 1980 | Young et al.
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4261950 | Apr., 1981 | Bainbridge et al.
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4309381 | Jan., 1982 | Chamberlain et al.
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4594223 | Jun., 1986 | Dyke et al.
| |
4687635 | Aug., 1987 | Kaehler et al.
| |
4839291 | Jun., 1989 | Welsh et al.
| |
4914034 | Apr., 1990 | Welsh et al.
| |
5164161 | Nov., 1992 | Feathers et al.
| |
5229072 | Jul., 1993 | Tarancon | 422/37.
|
5258921 | Nov., 1993 | Ellis.
| |
5270948 | Dec., 1993 | O'Brien et al.
| |
5290511 | Mar., 1994 | Newman.
| |
5340537 | Aug., 1994 | Barrett.
| |
5368821 | Nov., 1994 | Schmoegner et al.
| |
5380485 | Jan., 1995 | Takahashi et al.
| |
5390322 | Feb., 1995 | O'Brien et al.
| |
5413757 | May., 1995 | Kutner et al.
| |
5422276 | Jun., 1995 | Colvin.
| |
5426428 | Jun., 1995 | Binder et al.
| |
5478749 | Dec., 1995 | Dyke.
| |
5491092 | Feb., 1996 | Colvin.
| |
5565634 | Oct., 1996 | Graessle et al.
| |
5788925 | Aug., 1998 | Pai et al. | 422/3.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
2427834A1 | Jan., 1975 | DE.
| |
0604387A1 | Jun., 1994 | DE.
| |
9319369 | Apr., 1995 | DE.
| |
WO93/21964 | Nov., 1993 | WO.
| |
WO95/32742 | Dec., 1995 | WO.
| |
WO 9729789 | Aug., 1997 | WO.
| |
WO 9800176 | Jan., 1998 | WO.
| |
Other References
ISO/TC 198/WG 3, Feb. 1995, 5.2.5, International Organization For
Standardization.
|
Primary Examiner: Till; Terrence R.
Assistant Examiner: Snider; Theresa T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fay, Sharpe, Fagan, Minnich & McKee, LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 08/602,515 filed on Feb. 16, 1996, now U.S.
Pat. No. 5,788,925.
Claims
We claim:
1. A system for monitoring and controlling an anti-microbial processing
cycle, the system comprising:
a challenge load-simulating device, said device comprising a resistance
barrier that is resistant to passage of an anti-microbial agent and a
receiving area for the agent that passes said resistance barrier;
a first sensor probe positioned in said receiving area for real-time
sensing of an anti-microbial processing parameter value during an
anti-microbial processing cycle, said anti-microbial processing parameter
being concentration of said anti-microbial agent;
a control system for controlling the value of said parameter in real time
during said cycle; and
a first transmitting circuit in communication with said first sensor probe
for transmitting the sensed parameter value from said first sensor probe
to said control system.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said control system is programmed to
store a predetermined reference parameter range.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said control system is programmed to
receive said sensed parameter value and compare said sensed parameter
value to said stored reference parameter range.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein said control system is programmed to
indicate acceptable anti-microbial processing conditions when said sensed
parameter value is within said reference parameter range.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said control system is programmed to
change the value of said parameter when said sensed parameter value is
outside said reference parameter range.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
a second sensor probe positioned in said receiving area of said challenge
load-simulating device for real-time sensing therein of an anti-microbial
processing parameter value during said anti-microbial processing cycle;
and a second transmitting circuit in communication with said second sensor
probe for transmitting the sensed parameter value from said second sensor
probe to said control system.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said anti-microbial processing parameter
is selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, relative
humidity, anti-microbial agent concentration, time, and multiples and
combinations thereof.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said anti-microbial agent is selected
from the group consisting of steam, ethylene oxide gas, liquid hydrogen
peroxide, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, liquid formaldehyde, vaporized
formaldehyde, liquid peroxy compounds, vaporized peroxy compounds, ozone,
ionized gases, plasmas, chlorine-based agents, and combinations thereof.
9. A challenge load-simulating device comprising:
a semi-permeable barrier characterized by being resistant to penetration of
an anti-microbial agent and selected from the group consisting of a
tortuous path for entrance of said anti-microbial agent into said device,
a tortuous path for said anti-microbial agent within said device, and
multiples and combinations thereof;
a receiving area defined within said device for receiving the
anti-microbial agent that penetrates said resistance barrier;
a sensor probe disposed in said receiving area of said challenge
load-simulating device for real-time sensing therein of an anti-microbial
processing parameter value during an anti-microbial processing cycle and
transmitting in real-time said parameter value to a control or monitoring
system for real-time control or monitoring of said anti-microbial
processing parameter during said anti-microbial processing cycle; and
a control system for controlling the value of said anti-microbial
processing parameter in real-time in response to sensing by said sensor
probe of said parameter during said anti-microbial processing cycle.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein said semipermeable barrier comprises a
material selected from the group consisting of cellulosics,
tetrafluoroethylene fluorocarbon polymers, silicon, polypropylene,
polyethylene, polycarbonate, and combinations thereof.
11. The device of claim 9, wherein said anti-microbial agent is selected
from the group consisting essentially of steam, ethylene oxide gas, liquid
hydrogen peroxide, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, liquid formaldehyde,
vaporized formaldehyde, liquid peroxy compounds, vaporized peroxy
compounds, ozone, ionized gases, plasmas, chlorine-based agents, and
combinations thereof.
12. A method for monitoring and controlling a parameter value in a
simulated load during an anti-microbial process performed in a
decontamination apparatus having a control system, said method comprising
the steps of:
(a) positioning a challenge load-simulating device in said decontamination
apparatus, said device comprising a resistance barrier resistant to
penetration of an anti-microbial agent and a receiving area for said
anti-microbial agent that penetrates said resistance barrier, said
anti-microbial agent being a chlorine-based agent and selected from the
group consisting of chlorine gas, hypochlorites, chlorine dioxide,
chloramines, chlorine trifluoride, chlorine pentafluoride, and
combinations thereof;
(b) sealably fitting a first sensor probe within said device, such that
said first sensor probe is positioned in said receiving area for real-time
sensing therein of a parameter value during the anti-microbial process,
said first sensor probe comprising a transmitting means for transmitting
the sensed parameter value from said first sensor probe to said control
system;
(c) exposing said load-simulating device to said chlorine-based
anti-microbial agent during said anti-microbial process;
(d) sensing in real-time said parameter value within said receiving area of
said device during said process;
(e) transmitting in real-time the sensed parameter value in said
load-simulating device from said first sensor probe to said control
system; and
(f) controlling the value of said parameter in real time during said
process in response to a signal from said control system.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein said control system is programmed to
store a predetermined reference parameter range; to receive said sensed
parameter value and compare said sensed parameter value to said stored
reference parameter range; to indicate acceptable anti-microbial
processing conditions when said sensed parameter value is within said
reference parameter range; and to change the value of the parameter when
said sensed parameter value is outside said reference parameter range.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein said anti-microbial process is selected
from the group consisting of decontamination, sterilization, disinfection,
and sanitization.
15. A method of real-time monitoring and real-time controlling a parameter
value in a simulated load during an anti-microbial processing cycle
performed in a decontamination apparatus having a control system, the
method comprising the steps of:
(a) placing a challenge load-simulating device in said decontamination
apparatus, said device comprising a semi-permeable barrier that is
resistant to passage of a chlorine-based anti-microbial agent, a receiving
area for the chlorine-based anti-microbial agent that passes said
semi-permeable barrier; and a first sensor probe positioned in said
receiving area for real-time sensing therein of a parameter value during
the anti-microbial cycle;
(b) exposing said challenge load-simulating device to said chlorine-based
anti-microbial agent during said cycle;
(c) sensing in real-time the parameter value within said receiving area of
said challenge load-simulating device during said cycle;
(d) transmitting in real-time the sensed parameter value in said challenge
load-simulating device from said first sensor probe to said control
system; and
(e) controlling the value of at least one of temperature, pressure,
relative humidity, and anti-microbial agent concentration in real time
during the cycle in response to said sensed parameter value.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said control system is programmed to
store a predetermined reference parameter range; to compare said sensed
parameter value to said stored reference parameter range; and to indicate
acceptable anti-microbial processing conditions when said sensed parameter
value is within said reference parameter range.
17. A method of monitoring and controlling a parameter value in real-time
in a simulated load during an anti-microbial processing cycle performed in
a decontamination apparatus having a control system, said control system
being programmed to store a predetermined reference parameter range and to
compare a sensed parameter value with said predetermined reference
parameter range, said method comprising the steps of:
(a) positioning a challenge load-simulating device in said decontamination
apparatus, said device comprising a resistance barrier resistant to
penetration of an anti-microbial agent, and a receiving area for the
anti-microbial agent that flows past the resistance barrier;
(b) disposing a first sensor probe within said device, such that said first
sensor probe is positioned in said receiving area for real-time sensing
therein of a parameter value during said cycle, said first sensor probe
comprising a transmitting means for transmitting the sensed parameter
value from said first sensor probe to said control system;
(c) exposing said load-simulating device during said cycle, to an
anti-microbial agent selected from the group consisting essentially of
steam, ethylene oxide gas, liquid hydrogen peroxide, vaporized hydrogen
peroxide, liquid formaldehyde, vaporized formaldehyde, liquid peroxy
compounds, vaporized peroxy compounds, ozone, ionized gases, plasmas,
chlorine-based agents and combinations thereof;
(d) sensing in real time the parameter value within said receiving area of
said device during said cycle;
(e) transmitting in real time the sensed parameter value in said
load-simulating device from said first sensor probe to said control
system; and
(f) controlling the value of the parameter in real time during said cycle
in response to a signal from said control system, said signal based upon a
comparison of said sensed parameter value with said predetermined
reference parameter range.
18. A method for monitoring and controlling an anti-microbial process in a
decontamination chamber, the method comprising:
placing in the chamber a challenge load-simulating device comprising a
perforated member that is resistant to penetration by an anti-microbial
agent vapor, and a receiving area for receiving anti-microbial agent vapor
that penetrates the perforated member;
conducting an anti-microbial processing cycle in the chamber;
sensing in real-time the concentration of the agent vapor in the receiving
area during the cycle and generating an electronic parameter value in
response thereto; and,
controlling at least one of vapor concentration, chamber temperature, and
cycle duration in real-time in response to the sensed real-time parameter
value.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein said anti-microbial process is selected
from the group consisting of a decontamination process, a sterilization
process, a disinfection process, and a sanitization process.
20. A method of monitoring an anti-microbial processing parameter in a
decontamination system including a sensor which (i) measures said
parameter and (ii) provides a real-time control signal representative of
said parameter, said method comprising:
selecting a resistance barrier to simulate the barrier encountered by an
anti-microbial agent when penetrating a load, said resistance barrier
including a series of baffles that define a tortuous path;
disposing said resistance barrier between said sensor and said agent; and
monitoring in real-time said control signal provided by said sensor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Monitoring of sterilization parameters is essential to ensure that optimum
sterilizing conditions during a steam or chemical sterilization cycle are
met. Environmental conditions in the chamber are frequently measured by
various sensors, such as temperature, pressure, or sterilant concentration
sensors, positioned in strategic places, such as a chamber wall or a drain
line. The sensors, in turn, may be connected by various methods (e.g.
electrical, radio transmitter, etc.) to an integral or remote
microprocessor controller programmed to monitor and respond to the sensor
readings and provide control of critical cycle parameters in the chamber,
such as temperature, pressure, relative humidity, sterilant concentration
and time during the cycle.
Control of cycle parameters in the chamber, however, does not guarantee
that sterilization conditions have been met within the load to be
sterilized. Systems have been developed employing temperature and pressure
sensors placed within an actual load or in standardized devices simulating
a load. Each of these prior systems has disadvantages. For example, a
sensor placed in an actual load monitors a condition only at the sensor
location and does not necessarily reflect the condition elsewhere in the
load. Load simulation devices, such as those containing a heat sink to
detect the presence of air or superheated steam or those containing
sensors to monitor and record time, temperature pressure and/or moisture,
have the disadvantage that the load-simulation devices are not integrated
with the sterilizer control system and are monitors only. In some,
information is available only after the sterilization cycle, when the
device is removed from the chamber and the record of a parameter is
interpreted visually (e.g. a color change) by the operator. In others, the
monitored information is transmitted to an external stand alone control
and display unit, adding to the expense of a sterilization system. Neither
approach provides the capability of real-time monitoring of critical load
parameters with direct and simultaneous conveyance of the information to
the sterilizer control system allowing real-time control of critical
sterilization parameter levels within the load. Further, prior
load-simulation devices monitor only such parameters as temperature,
pressure, time, moisture or the presence of a sterilant. They do not
provide the capability of also directly monitoring the concentration of a
chemical sterilant, such as ethylene oxide gas or hydrogen peroxide liquid
or vapor, in a load, or of directly conveying the results to the
sterilization control for real-time control of the sterilant concentration
in the load.
Currently, the Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
(AAMI) guidelines recommend that chemical integrators and biological
indicators be used to verify that process parameters critical for
sterilization have been achieved. Chemical integrators provide a visual
indication (e.g. a color change) that predetermined sterilization
parameters were presumably achieved. For example, in the case of steam or
ethylene oxide sterilization, a chemical integrator might indicate that a
given temperature with the presence of moisture was achieved for a given
time. Chemical integrators, however, are not sophisticated enough to
monitor critical cycle parameters (e.g. temperature, pressure, sterilant
concentration) to a confidence level that would assure that sterilization
has occurred and to allow release of the load for use based on the
indicator results alone. Therefore, biological indicators are additionally
employed. Presumably, if proper conditions in the chamber with respect to
time, temperature, pressure and/or sterilant concentration are achieved
and maintained for the required exposure period, the biological agent in
the indicator will be killed, and thereby indicate cycle efficacy.
However, the requirement for a sometimes lengthy incubation of the
biological indicator to assure confirmation of sterility can result in an
undesirable time delay after cycle completion before the sterilization
efficacy is known. This delay can significantly affect productivity and,
therefore, the cost of processing goods through the sterilization system,
in addition to the inconvenience of delayed turnaround of critical medical
or dental instruments.
Recently, the concept of parametric release has been described for moist
heat sterilization, and seeks to provide a more efficient means for
monitoring a steam sterilization process. Parametric release is based on
the physical monitoring in the chamber of the parameters of pressure,
temperature and rate of change of temperature and pressure during the
moist heat sterilization cycle. The chamber control is set for a
predetermined cycle, to achieve and maintain predetermined critical
parameter levels for a given period of time. The chamber parameters are
monitored throughout the cycle. If the monitoring indicates a difference
between a set and measured parameter value that exceeds specified limits,
a warning is given to the cycle operator. If the monitoring indicates that
the critical levels in the chamber are achieved and maintained for the
time required to achieve a given sterility assurance level, the cycle is
considered efficacious and the load is released for use. Therefore,
parametric release systems are designed to provide monitoring and
notification only of achieved parameters in the chamber. They do not
suggest providing real-time sensing data to the sterilizer control system
to enable the sterilizer control to react to changes in the critical
parameters and adjust them in order to avoid unsuccessful cycles. Rather,
current International Organization For Standardization (ISO) and European
Committee for Standardization (CEN) standards require that the monitoring
system for parametric release be separate from the sterilizer control
system. Further, the process is described only for control of parameters
in the chamber and does not address the monitoring and control of the
critical parameter levels in the load itself.
A need exists, therefore, for a sterilization system that provides both
real-time monitoring and real-time control of critical sterilization
parameters in the load, to a sterility assurance level that eliminates the
need for chemical and biological indicators. Moreover, there is a need for
a device that provides real-time monitoring of critical sterilization
parameters in the load, and is also integrated with the sterilizer control
system to enable the control to react to monitored changes in the critical
parameter levels and adjust them in real-time in order to avoid
unsuccessful cycles. Additionally, there is a need for a device that
reproducibly simulates a standard challenge load undergoing sterilization
and that contains critical parameter sensors that are directly integrated
into the sterilizer control system. Furthermore, there is a need for a
sterilization system that provides for the release of a load when the
critical values of sterilization parameters in the load are shown to have
been met.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides real-time monitoring and control of
anti-microbial processing cycle parameters, within a load-simulating
device that simulates the same conditions as those which would be found in
an acceptable standard challenge load to be processed. The levels of
critical load processing parameters, such as temperature, pressure,
relative humidity, and anti-microbial agent concentration are sensed by
sensor probes positioned within the load-simulating device and the data
transmitted directly, in real-time, to the control system. The control
system then provides real-time control of critical parameter levels within
the simulated load device.
A redundant set of sensor probes within the device also monitors the
anti-microbial processing parameters in real-time and transmits the sensed
data to a parametric release monitoring system. If the monitored parameter
levels indicate anti-microbial cycle efficacy (as measured by the
conditions sensed within the load-simulating device), the load is released
for use immediately upon completion of the cycle. Thus, the present
invention eliminates the need for chemical integrators and biological
indicators and increases the efficiency of anti-microbial processing.
In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for improving
real-time control of an anti-microbial processing cycle. The apparatus
comprises a challenge load-simulating device having a resistance barrier
that is resistant to penetration of an anti-microbial agent and a
receiving chamber for the anti-microbial agent that penetrates the
resistance barrier. The apparatus further comprises a sensing element
disposed in the receiving chamber of the challenge load-simulating device
that provides a real-time control signal.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a system for
monitoring and controlling an anti-microbial processing cycle. The system
comprises a challenge load-simulating device, a sensor positioned in the
receiving area for real-time sensing therein of an anti-microbial
processing parameter value during an anti-microbial processing cycle. The
system further comprises a control system for controlling the value of the
parameter in real time during the cycle. The system also comprises a first
transmitting element in communication with the sensor for transmitting the
sensed parameter value from the sensor to the control system.
In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a challenge
load-simulating device comprising a semi-permeable barrier that is
characterized by being resistant to penetration of an anti-microbial agent
and having a certain configuration. The device also comprises a receiving
area for the anti-microbial agent that penetrates the resistance barrier.
A sensor probe is disposed in the receiving area for real-time sensing
therein of an anti-microbial processing parameter.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for
monitoring and controlling a parameter value in a simulated load during an
anti-microbial process performed in a decontamination apparatus. The
method comprises positioning a challenge load-simulating device in the
apparatus. A sensor probe is placed within the device for real-time
sensing therein of a parameter value during the anti-microbial process.
The load-simulating device is then exposed to the anti-microbial agent
during the anti-microbial process. The method then involves sensing the
parameter value within the receiving area of the device during the process
and transmitting the sensed parameter value in the device from the sensor
to the control system. The method also involves a step of controlling the
value of the parameter in real time during the process in response to a
signal from the control system.
The present invention further provides, in yet another aspect, a method of
monitoring and controlling a parameter value in a simulated load during an
anti-microbial processing cycle performed in a decontamination apparatus.
The method comprises placing a particular challenge load-simulating device
in the decontamination apparatus, exposing the device to anti-microbial
agent during the cycle, and sensing the parameter value within the
receiving area of the device. The sensed parameter value is transmitted to
a control system which controls temperature, pressure, humidity, and/or
anti-microbial agent concentration in real time during the cycle in
response to the sensed parameter value.
Moreover, the present invention provides in a further aspect, a method of
monitoring and controlling a parameter value in a simulated load during an
anti-microbial cycle in a decontamination apparatus having a control
system programmed in a particular fashion. The method involves positioning
a challenge load-simulating device in the apparatus and placing a sensor
probe in the device for real-time sensing of a parameter during the cycle.
The device is exposed to an anti-microbial agent selected from an array of
agents. The parameter value in the device is sensed and transmitted to the
control system. The method also involves controlling the value of the
parameter in real time based upon a comparison of the sensed parameter
value to a predetermined parameter range stored in the control system.
Still further, in yet another aspect, the present invention provides a
method for monitoring and controlling an anti-microbial process in a
decontamination chamber by placing a particular load-simulating device in
the chamber and conducting an anti-microbial processing cycle in the
chamber. The concentration of the agent vapor in the load-simulating
device during the cycle is sensed, and an electronic parameter value is
generated. The method controls vapor concentration, chamber temperature,
and/or cycle duration in real-time in response to the sensed parameter
value.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of monitoring an
anti-microbial parameter in a decontamination system by selecting a
resistance barrier having certain characteristics, disposing the barrier
between a sensor and an anti-microbial agent, and monitoring a control
signal provided by the sensor indicating a parameter associated with the
anti-microbial agent.
The present invention may be used with a wide array of anti-microbial
processing systems including, but not limited to, steam, ethylene oxide
gas, liquid and vaporized hydrogen peroxide, liquid and vaporized
formaldehyde, liquid and vaporized peroxy compounds, ozone, ionized gases,
plasmas, chlorine-based agents, and combinations thereof.
One advantage of the present invention is that it enables an anti-microbial
process such as a sterilization or disinfection cycle to be monitored and
controlled in real-time.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it enables a
determination to be made while an anti-microbial process, such as a
sterilization or disinfection cycle, is in progress whether the necessary
conditions for the process have been achieved.
Still further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of
components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings
are only for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment and are not
to be construed as limiting the invention.
FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of the present invention, including a
load-simulating device connected to a sterilization chamber and sensor
probes integrated into the sterilizer control system and a parametric
release monitoring system.
FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of a load-simulating device positioned
within a sterilizer drain line.
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a sensor fitting in accordance with the
invention.
FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic illustrations of the load-simulating
device of the invention.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an embodiment of a load-simulating device of the
invention in a closed configuration and an exploded view, respectively.
FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C schematically illustrate another embodiment of a
load-simulating device of the invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the pre-exposure phase of a steam
sterilization cycle which may be employed in the invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the exposure phase of a steam
sterilization cycle which may be employed in the invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a timing cycle which may be employed in
the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for anti-microbial
processing. The term "anti-microbial processing" includes, but is not
limited to, various treatment techniques and methods for reducing or
eliminating microorganisms or their ability to reproduce, such as for
example decontamination, sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, and
combinations of these techniques. The term "decontamination apparatus" is
used herein to refer to an apparatus or system for performing any of these
anti-microbial processing techniques.
In particular, the present invention is concerned with the real-time
control of anti-microbial processing parameters within a load-simulation
device that simulates the same conditions as those within an acceptable
standard challenge load to be decontaminated. Integration of such a
load-simulating device into a decontamination apparatus chamber and
parameter sensing system allows real-time monitoring and transmission of
cycle parameter values from the load-simulating device to the control
system. If the parameter values fall outside the range of acceptable
values, the control system directs the operation of control means, such as
heaters, valves, pumps, timers, etc. in real time to bring the parameter
values into an acceptable range within the load-simulating device. Thus,
optimum and efficacious anti-microbial processing conditions can be
achieved and maintained within the load (as measured by the conditions
sensed within the load-simulating device) resulting in a significant
reduction in the number of unsuccessful cycles. Moreover, when acceptable
anti-microbial processing parameters are shown to have been met, the
processed load is automatically released for use immediately upon
completion of the cycle. Thus, the need for biological indicators and
chemical integrators is eliminated.
The invention may be used with any anti-microbial process in which a
successful outcome depends on achieving and maintaining controllable
decontamination parameters for a given time. Such anti-microbial processes
include, but are not limited to, decontamination, sterilization,
disinfection, or sanitization with steam, ethylene oxide gas, liquid and
vaporized hydrogen peroxide, liquid and vaporized formaldehyde, liquid and
vaporized peroxy compounds, ozone, ionized gases, plasmas, and
combinations thereof. Other suitable agents include chlorine-based agents
such as for example, chlorine gas, hypochlorites, chlorine dioxide,
certain chloramines, chlorine trifluoride, chlorine pentafluoride, and
combinations of these and other agents. These agents may, in most
instances, be in gas or liquid form.
The load-simulating device is integrated into the decontamination parameter
sensing and control system and employs one or more resistance barriers
resistant to penetration of the anti-microbial agent, such as in the form
of a tortuous path, similar to the barrier encountered by a sterilant
penetrating a load of wrapped goods or goods in a sealed pouch. The
acceptable standard challenge load simulated by the load-simulating device
reflects a "worst-case" load to be processed. Therefore, each type of
resistance barrier in the load-simulating device is specifically designed
for the particular anti-microbial agent to be employed in order to
accurately simulate load conditions, or worst-case conditions, using the
specified agent. For example, for sterilants such as hydrogen peroxide
vapor, a sufficient resistance barrier may comprise a tortuous path for
entrance of the sterilant into the device. For other sterilants, such as
ethylene oxide gas, the resistance barrier may additionally or
alternatively comprise another tortuous path within the interior of the
device, such as a packed material or a baffle or series of baffles. The
resistance barrier may be purely a physical barrier and/or may also
comprise a physical or chemical material which is slightly absorptive of
the agent. Suitable resistance barrier materials may include, but are not
limited to, cellulosic materials for steam and/or ethylene oxide
sterilants, a wide array of tetrafluorethylene fluorocarbon polymers
generally known as TEFLON.TM., silicon, polypropylene and polycarbonate
materials for ethylene oxide and/or hydrogen peroxide sterilants, and
combinations thereof. Effective resistance barrier materials for other
sterilants, such as formaldehyde, ozone, or ionized gases and plasmas, are
known to persons skilled in the art of sterilization.
Turning now to the figures, it is to be understood that although the
preferred embodiments are described in conjunction with a sterilizer and
sterilization cycle, the present invention is not limited to such. As
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the system includes a sterilization
chamber 1 having a sterilant inlet 2 and sterilant inlet valve 3 and a
chamber drain line or exhaust outlet 4 and chamber outlet valve 5. A
load-simulating device 6 is located within the chamber 1 and is removably
connected to a chamber wall 7 or chamber drain wall 8 as described herein
below. If connected to a chamber wall 7, the load-simulating device 6 is
preferably located in a recessed portion 9 of the chamber wall 7, such
that the load-simulating device 6 does not interfere with loading and
unloading of goods in the chamber 1. When the device 6 is employed in a
steam sterilization chamber, it is more preferable to locate the device 6
close to or within the drain line 4 in order to detect more readily the
presence of unwanted air that will tend to settle there, as known in the
art, and allow for correction of the problem, as described herein below.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and shown schematically
in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the load-simulating device 6 comprises a housing 10
for a resistance barrier 11 to penetration of a sterilant and a receiving
area 12 for sterilant that successfully penetrates the resistance barrier
11. At least one sensor probe 13 is positioned in the receiving area 12 of
the load-simulating device 6 for real-time sensing and monitoring of at
least one sterilization parameter value during a sterilization cycle. A
connection flange or a weld fillet 15 (more clearly shown in FIG. 2)
connects the device 6 to the sterilization chamber wall 7 or drain line
wall 8 at or near the location of the sensor probe 13. An optional use
indicator 50 is preferably positioned on a surface of the load-simulating
device 6 in contact with the chamber environment. The use indicator 50
serves only to indicate, preferably by a visible color change, that the
load-simulating device 6 has been exposed to a sterilant. The use
indicator 50 is not intended to serve as a chemical integrator.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the housing 10 of the
device 6 is constructed with a small opening 14 at one end, to allow a
liquid, gas or vapor sterilant to enter into the interior of the device 6.
The illustrated opening in the housing is used in conjunction with the
interior resistance barrier 11 that provides a tortuous path for the
sterilant. However, the sterilant may alternatively enter the device by
another route, preferably one that provides a tortuous path/resistance
barrier, such as through a seam in the housing, or penetration by wetting
through material comprising the housing wall. In this case, the additional
resistance barrier 11 in the interior of the device may also be included
or be optional. Therefore, the device is intended to provide one or more
resistance barriers/tortuous paths, depending on the characteristics of
the sterilant employed.
Regardless of the route of sterilant entry, the load-simulating device 6
itself, as defined by the housing 10, is preferably shaped to simulate a
dead-ended lumen, known to be difficult to sterilize because of the known
difficulty of sterilant penetration into lumens in general. Therefore, in
a preferred embodiment, the device 6 itself, by virtue of simulating a
dead-ended lumen, comprises a resistance barrier to penetration of the
sterilant.
During a sterilization cycle, the liquid, gas or vapor sterilant in the
sterilization chamber 1 enters the load-simulating device 6 and is
constrained to follow a prescribed path. The sterilant passes through the
optional resistance barrier 11 and sterilant that penetrates the barrier
11 reaches the receiving area 12 where it comes into contact with the
sensor probe 13. Therefore, there is a fluid connection between the
sterilization chamber 1 and the sensor probe 13.
The sensor probe 13 may be present as a single probe or a plurality of
probes or sensing elements. Parameters which may be sensed by the sensor
probe or probes 13 include, but are not limited to, temperature, pressure,
concentration of sterilant, relative humidity and multiples and
combinations of these. For example, a set of sensor probes may contain two
or more pressure sensors P1, P2 and two or more temperature sensors T1, T2
and two or more chemical sterilant concentration sensors C1, C2; and each
parameter may be sensed by two or more separate sensing probes or by a
single probe housing two or more sensing elements. As described herein
below, multiple probes, preferably dual probes, for sensing a particular
parameter are employed to comply with ISO and/or CEN standards requiring a
separate set of sensing probes for parameter control and for parametric
release of the load. Multiple probes, for example, an array of
concentration-sensing elements, may be necessary in order to determine the
concentration of certain chemical sterilants, such as multicomponent
sterilants.
A transmitting means 16 is connected to each sensor probe or sensing
element 13 for transmitting a sensed parameter value from the sensor probe
13 to a receiving means 19, such as the sterilizer control system 17 or a
parametric release monitoring system 18. The transmitting means 16 may
comprise any means that is capable of transmitting the sensor data to the
receiving means 19 including, but not limited to, electrical connection of
the sensor probe 13 to the receiving means 19 and electronic or radio
frequency transmission of the sensor data to the receiving means 19.
The sterilizer control system 17 may be any system including, but not
limited to, a microprocessor or a logic circuit that is programmed to
receive the sensed parameter value and also to control the value of the
parameter in real time during the sterilization cycle by governing a
plurality of parameter control means 100 which operate valves, pumps,
timers, heaters, etc. The sterilizer control system 17 is also programmed
to store a predetermined reference sterilization parameter range and to
compare the received sensed parameter value to the reference parameter
range. If the sensed parameter value falls within the reference parameter
range, acceptable sterilization conditions are indicated, and the cycle
continues. If the sensed parameter value falls outside of the reference
parameter range, the sterilizer control system 17 is programmed to signal
the parameter control means 100 to operate until the value of the sensed
parameter falls within the reference parameter range. Thus, if the sensed
temperature reading in the load-simulating device 6 is below an acceptable
limit, the sterilizer control system 17 signals the parameter control
means 100 to operate a chamber heating means (not shown) until the
temperature reading of the temperature-sensing probe 13 in the
load-simulating device falls within the range that is acceptable for
sterilization. If a sensed sterilant concentration in the load-simulating
device 6 is below the acceptable limit, the sterilizer control system 17
signals the parameter control means 100 to control the operation of a
sterilant injector (not shown) to increase the concentration of sterilant
injected into the chamber 1, until the concentration of sterilant sensed
by the concentration-sensing probe 13 is at an acceptable value, or within
a range of acceptable values. In each of these examples, the sterilizer
control system 17 also signals a timer (not shown) to be reset to
compensate for the time during which the sterilization cycle experienced
unacceptable conditions. In many sterilization cycles, critical parameters
are interdependent. For example, in a vapor hydrogen peroxide
sterilization system, the concentration of the vapor that is allowable
(i.e. does not exceed the dew point concentration) in the load at any
given time is dependent on the temperature, pressure, and/or relative
humidity in the load at that time. Therefore, in systems such as these,
the sterilizer control system is programmed to monitor more than one
parameter and analyze the data to determine whether or not the
environmental conditions are within the acceptable range of values.
In each embodiment of the invention, a redundant set or sets of
temperature, pressure or other sensors 13, such as relative humidity or
chemical sterilant concentration sensors may be incorporated. For example,
in a preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1A, one set of sensor
probes T2, P2, C2 is used only as a parametric release monitoring system
18, for monitoring sterilization parameters to determine if acceptable
sterilization conditions in the load-simulating device 6 have been
achieved and the load may be released as sterilized. Another set of
sensors probes T1, P1, C1 in the load-simulating device 6 transmits
readings of temperature, pressure or other parameter levels to the
sterilizer control system 17 for controlling the process parameters by the
parameter control means 100. In this embodiment, the release monitoring
sensors T2, P2, C2 are preferably connected to a user interface (display
and/or printout) circuit (not shown) which is separate from the circuit
(not shown) that connects the sterilizer control system 17 and the sensors
T1, P1, C1 that provide data for process control. This feature addresses
the concern outlined in current CEN and ISO standards for the need to keep
the parametric release system independent of the system that controls the
sterilizer cycle. The independent release monitoring sensors act as a
back-up and redundant system to the sensors integrated into the sterilizer
control system. Thus, erroneous release of a load that is not sterilized
because sensors used for control purposes falsely indicate (e.g. due to
being out of calibration or subject to a component or electrical failure)
that sterilization conditions are being achieved, is virtually prevented.
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of one possible sensor fitting 20 for use
in the present invention, for containing at least one 22, and preferably a
plurality of sensor probes 22, 23, 24), and for attaching the sensor probe
or probes to the load-simulating device 6, and to the chamber wall 7 or
drain wall 8. It is envisioned that any sensor fitting which is capable of
accommodating the sensor probes and load-simulating device and
accomplishing the objectives of the invention, may be alternatively used
in the practice of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, at least
one each of a temperature sensor probe 22, a pressure sensor probe 23 and
a chemical sterilant concentration sensor probe 24 are used in the
practice of the invention. However, these probes are meant to be
representative only, and are interchangeable with probes measuring other
parameters, such as relative humidity. They may also represent a plurality
of one or more types of probes, such as a plurality of
concentration-sensing probes for different components of a multicomponent
chemical sterilant, or a plurality of temperature or pressure sensing
probes.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, this embodiment of the sensor fitting 20
comprises a housing 25 having an outer wall and an interior wall which
defines a hollow interior having a first end 27 and a second end 29 and
side walls 31. The first end 27 of the sensor fitting 20 is shaped to
protrude into the interior of the chamber 1 through a complementary
opening in the chamber wall 7 or chamber drain wall 8. The outer wall of
the housing 25 is secured to the chamber wall 7 or drain wall 8 by means
of a connection flange or a weld fillet 15 that provides a seal between
the sensor fitting 20 and the chamber wall 7 or drain wall 8. The second
end 29 of the sensor fitting 20 extends exteriorly from the chamber wall 7
or drain wall 8. The first end 27 and second end 29 and the side walls 31
of the sensor fitting 20 comprise openings 30 for receiving a sensor probe
or plurality of sensor probes (see below). As illustrated in this
embodiment, a temperature sensor probe 22 extends through the hollow
interior of the length of the sensor fitting 20 and comprises a tip
portion 21 which protrudes beyond the open first end 27 of the sensor
fitting 20, a middle portion 26 contained within the hollow interior of
the sensor fitting 20, and a base portion 28 which extends beyond the open
second end of the sensor fitting 20. The position of the temperature probe
22 within the hollow sensor fitting 20 may be optionally stabilized by
means of a support flange 32, connected to an interior wall of the housing
25, containing a plurality of openings 34 sufficient to ensure that a
fluid environment is maintained throughout the hollow interior of the
sensor fitting 20.
As described herein above, the housing 25 of the sensor fitting 20
comprises an opening or a plurality of other openings 30 for receiving
other sensor probes. The probes illustrated in FIG. 2 include, but are not
limited to, a pressure sensing probe 23 and/or a chemical sterilant
concentration sensing probe 24. Each of the sensor probes 23, 24) is in
fluid connection with the hollow interior of the sensor fitting 20 and is
engaged, preferably threadably engaged, to the housing 25 to form a seal
between the sensor probe 23, 24 and the sensor fitting 20. Each of the
sensor probes 22, 23, 24 terminates in a separate transmission means 16,
extending from each probe and external to the sensor fitting 20 for
transmitting sensed data to the receiving means 19.
The base portion 28 of the temperature probe 22, including the transmitting
means 16, further extends through a compression fitting 35 comprising a
housing 36 defining an anterior opening 37 containing a flexible ring
member 38, preferably a ferrule, that encircles the base portion 28 of the
probe 22 and a space 39 surrounding the ring member 38, and a posterior
opening 40 for affording the passage of the base portion 28 of the
temperature probe 22 therethrough, the transmission means 16 extending
exteriorly from a posterior opening 40. The compression fitting 35 is
removably engagable to the second end 29 of the sensor fitting 20. A
pressure-tight seal between the compression fitting 35 and the sensor
fitting 20 is achieved when the second end 29 of the sensor fitting 20
threadably engages the anterior opening 37 of the compression fitting 35,
occupies the space 39 between the housing 36 and the ring member 38 and,
thereby, sealably compresses the ring member 38 around the temperature
probe 22.
As described herein above, the first end 27 of the sensor fitting 20 is
shaped to protrude into the interior of the chamber 1 through a
complementary opening in the chamber wall 7 or chamber drain wall 8. The
first end 27 of the sensor fitting 20 is also removably and sealably
connectable, preferably threadably connectable, to the load-simulating
device 6 within the chamber 1. As described herein above, the tip portion
21 of the temperature probe 22 extends beyond the first end 27 of the
sensor fitting 20. In a preferred embodiment, when the sensor fitting 20
is connected to the load-simulating device 6, the tip portion 21 of the
temperature probe 22 extends into the receiving area 12 of the
load-simulating device 6 but does not contact or extend into the
resistance barrier 11.
When a sensor fitting 20 such as that described in FIG. 2 is employed,
there are a number of possible embodiments for the inter-connection of the
sensor probes 13, the load-simulating device 6, and the transmitting means
16. For example, in one embodiment schematically illustrated in FIG. 1A,
the sensor probes 13 including the transmission means 16 connecting the
probes 13 to the sterilizer control system 17 are preconnected and
premounted via the sensor fitting 20 of FIG. 2 to the chamber wall 7 or
drain line 8. Thus, the load-simulating device 6 is removably connected to
the premounted sensor fitting 20 inside the chamber wall 7 or drain wall 8
at the location of the probes 13 in the manner illustrated in the
embodiment of FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the load-simulating device may
be, and preferably is, disposable. Alternatively the device may be
reusable if, for example, it is recharged or dried out (in the case of a
sterilization cycle involving moisture). The sensor probes may be
permanently or temporarily mounted to the chamber, as desired.
In another embodiment, schematically illustrated in FIG. 3C, sensor probes
48 are removably connectable to the load-simulating device as illustrated
in FIG. 2 and described herein above. However, in this embodiment, a
sensor connector 41, which may extend into the interior of the chamber,
has a electrical connector portion 42 connected to the chamber wall 7 or
drain line 8, and a signal transmission means portion 44 connectable to a
signal receiver (not shown). The sensor probes 48 terminate in one or more
complimentary electrical interface(s). Thus, in this embodiment, the
sensor probes 48 may be preconnected to a load-simulating device and then
interfaced to the sterilizer control via an electrical connection inside
the chamber. In this embodiment, the sensor probes may also be reusable
and/or disposable.
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate embodiments of a load-simulating device which may
be employed in the present invention. The precise nature of the
load-simulating device to be used for a given sterilization cycle depends
on the nature of the sterilant and the sterilization parameters to be
monitored. For example, a load-simulating device for a steam sterilization
cycle, a hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization cycle and an ethylene oxide
sterilization cycle, etc. may be different from each other, because of
different critical sterilization parameters and sterilant properties.
Thus, for steam, the resistance barrier in the load-simulating device
preferably comprises a barrier material, such as a cellulosic, that
absorbs heat, and the sensors within the device preferably monitor and
provide for control of both temperature and pressure within the device.
For an ethylene oxide sterilant, a tortuous path for penetration of the
sterilant into and through the device preferably comprises a physical
barrier to the flow of the gas. The materials selected for the barrier are
determined by the solubility and diffusion rate of the ethylene oxide in
the material and the thickness of the barrier. For example, ethylene oxide
has a higher diffusion rate through silicon than through polyethylene, so
polyethylene is preferable to silicon as a barrier material. The sensor
probes employed for an ethylene oxide cycle preferably monitor and provide
for control of temperature, pressure, relative humidity and concentration
of the sterilant within the load-simulating device. A preferable
load-simulating device for hydrogen peroxide liquid or vapor sterilization
includes a dead-ended device and a resistance barrier comprising a
physical restriction of the flow of the sterilant (e.g. through a
restricted orifice or orifices) and/or requiring changes in direction of
flow (e.g. around baffles). The preferred materials of construction of the
resistance barrier comprise those which inhibit gas penetration and do not
substantially absorb the sterilant. Thus, for hydrogen peroxide
sterilization, polyethylene, polypropylene, TEFLON.TM., silicon, and
polycarbonate are preferred materials. The sensor probes employed for a
vapor hydrogen peroxide cycle preferably monitor and provide for control
of temperature, pressure, relative humidity and concentration of the
sterilant within the load-simulating device.
The preferred load-simulating devices generally include a housing defining
one or more resistance barriers to the passage of a sterilant and a
receiving area where sterilant which has penetrated the resistance
barrier(s) comes into contact with one or more sensor probes. As described
herein above, one of the resistance barriers may be a dead-ended lumen
defined by the housing.
The load-simulating device shown in FIG. 4A in a closed configuration and
in FIG. 4B in an exploded view is illustrative of a housing comprising a
tortuous path for entry of a sterilant into the interior of the device. A
typical exterior housing for use in a steam or ethylene oxide
sterilization cycle is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,839,291 and 4,914,034, the disclosures of which pertaining to tortuous
paths through the housing of the device are hereby incorporated by
reference. In brief, the housing 54 of a canister 52 comprises a central
tubular portion 56, a first tubular end portion 58 and a second tubular
end portion 60. The central tubular portion 56 has two open ends. Each of
the tubular end portions 58, 60) includes an outer member 62 having a
closed end, and an inner member 64 having an open end. The outer member 62
of tubular end portion 58 further has a hole or opening 68 in its closed
end that is covered with an adhesive backed tab 70. The tab 70 permits the
optional opening or closure of hole 68. The inner members 64 of each of
the end portions 58, 60 telescope into the central tubular portion 56 of
the housing 54 allowing each of the outer members 62 to abut the central
tubular portion 56 and form seam or gap 72 between the central tubular
portion and the outer members 62 of the tubular end portions 58,60. The
seam or gap 72 forms a tortuous path for entry of the sterilant into the
interior of the canister 52. Further, the seam or gap 72 may optionally be
covered by a sterilant-permeable layer (not shown), such as medical grade
paper, to form a further tortuous path for entry of the sterilant into the
interior. Another tortuous path for entry of the sterilant is defined by
the close tolerance between the telescoping surfaces of the central
tubular portion 56 and inner members 64 of the end portions 58, 60 of the
housing 54. As practiced in the present invention and described herein
previously, the device may optionally contain a further resistance barrier
(not shown) to sterilant passage, such as a packed material or a baffle or
series of baffles, within the interior of the device. Preferably, such an
internal resistance barrier is employed when the sterilant enters the
canister through opening 68 when tab 70 is removed. Other examples of
resistance barriers, include but are not limited to, perforated members.
The central tubular portion 56 of the canister 52 illustrated in FIG. 4
includes a connection fitting 74 that is removably connectable to a sensor
fitting, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The device optionally has a use
indicator 50 positioned on an exterior surface.
FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate another embodiment of a load-simulating
device which incorporates a tortuous path in the interior of the device. A
typical device may include a tortuous path as described for a steam
sterilization cycle disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,594,223,
the disclosure of which pertaining to tortuous paths is hereby
incorporated by reference. However, the tortuous path may be different
from the disclosed device (e.g. baffles, etc.) depending on the sterilant
employed, as described herein above. Briefly, the device 80 comprises a
resistance barrier 82 within a canister housing 84 and a use indicator 50
on the exterior of the canister. One end of the housing 84 is in fluid
communication with the chamber environment and has an opening 86 for the
passage of a sterilant into and through the length of the device. The
receiving area 88 for sterilant fluidly penetrating the resistance barrier
82 has a connection fitting 90 at the opposite end for removable
attachment to a sensor fitting as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in
cross-section in FIG. 5C, the receiving area 88 is constricted to prevent
resistance barrier material from entering the receiving area. As more
fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,594,223, if steam sterilization is
employed the constriction also serves as a collection area for any
unwanted air mixed with the steam, the air being in fluid contact with the
sensors, to allow control of the cycle for correction of the problem or
aborting of the cycle.
The materials from which the housing of the load-simulating device and/or
any internal resistance barrier are manufactured may be different from
each other and are selected to be compatible with the anti-microbial agent
or sterilant employed. The housing material may be slightly absorptive of
the agent or sterilant, but may not be so absorptive as to affect the
concentration level of agent or sterilant in the chamber in the area
surrounding the device or to result in high levels of residual agent or
sterilant which may be difficult to remove at the completion of the cycle.
Suitable, and preferred, housing and/or resistance barrier materials may
include, but are not limited to, cellulosic materials for steam and/or
ethylene oxide sterilants; TEFLON.TM., silicon, polypropylene and
polycarbonate materials for ethylene oxide and hydrogen peroxide
sterilants; and combinations thereof.
FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, illustrate the method of the invention in a typical
steam sterilization cycle employing the real-time monitoring and control
of cycle parameters within the load-simulating device and parametric
release of the load for use when the parameters are met. Again, it is to
be understood that although the preferred embodiment methods and
techniques are described in terms of a sterilization process, the present
invention is not limited to such. And, although a steam sterilization
cycle is illustrated, the method of the invention can be modified by one
skilled in the art to accommodate any sterilant, such as ethylene oxide,
hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde, ozone, peroxy compounds, chlorine-based
agents, and the like. For a steam sterilization cycle, the parameters of
temperature, pressure and time are preferably monitored. For an ethylene
oxide cycle, the parameters of temperature, pressure, relative humidity,
time, and the concentration of ethylene oxide are preferably monitored.
For a chemical sterilant, such as liquid or vaporized formaldehyde or
liquid or vaporized hydrogen peroxide, the parameters of temperature,
pressure, relative humidity, time, and the concentration of the sterilant
are preferably monitored.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the method of the invention begins with a
pre-exposure phase pulse number "i" 101 which, for a pre-vacuum type
sterilizer is typically a vacuum pull and steam charge, and for a gravity
type sterilizer is typically a steam flush with an open drain line.
Following "Pulse i", the pressure in the load-simulating device (test
device) is sensed by the pressure probe. If, for example due to air in the
device, the sensed pressure (P.sub.test .+-.Z psia) does not fall within
an acceptable predetermined setpoint pressure (P.sub.set .+-.Z psia)
range, the sterilizer control system signals the parameter control means
100 to produce another pulse i+1 103. Extra pulses continue only until the
pressure sensor indicates that P.sub.test =P.sub.set 102. The number of
extra pulses is limited (to six or less, in the illustration) 104 or the
cycle is aborted 105 in order to prevent an infinite cycle which could
occur, for example, in the event of a chamber air leak. When P.sub.test
=P.sub.set 102, a pass situation is indicated, and the temperature is
sensed by the temperature probe. If the sensed temperature (T.sub.test
.+-.Y.degree. C.) does not fall within an acceptable predetermined
setpoint temperature (T.sub.set .+-.Y.degree. C.) range, for example due
to the presence of air in the device, the sterilizer control system
signals the parameter control means 100 to produce another pulse. When
T.sub.test =T.sub.set 106, a pass situation is indicated and the cycle
enters the exposure phase 107 illustrated in FIG. 7 and starts the
exposure timer 108. The same principles of pass/fail apply to the sensed
pressure and temperature in the load-simulating device during this
exposure phase. Whenever the sensed pressures or temperatures are not
acceptable, the exposure timer is stopped 120 for the time required to
bring the parameters into the acceptable range, as illustrated in FIG. 8.
If the elapsed time (T.sub.elapse) 121 exceeds a certain set point (900
seconds, in the example) 122, the cycle is aborted 123, in order to avoid
an infinite cycle.
Throughout the cycle, the monitoring sensors in the load-simulating device
transmit data to a receiving means comprising a parametric release sensing
system. When the data indicate that the critical parameters of the cycle
have been achieved in the load-simulating device, the parametric release
system presumes the load has been sterilized. The parametric release
monitoring system thus allows release of the load for use when the
monitored sterilization parameter levels indicate sterilization cycle
efficacy within the load-simulating device.
While the invention has been described herein with reference to the
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that it is not intended to
limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, it
is intended to cover all modifications and alternative forms falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
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